The post Lead for Me or Lead for We? on Thursday, April 23, 2015 poses the problem we all have faced or will face: conflict of interest. Is my company, my self and my family’s desires more important than the livelihood of the people I lead? My company, my family and my people have all put their trust in me. I cannot do what each wants. What do I do?
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self–indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you. The Bible, James 5: 4-6 (NIV84)
This company wants to make as much money as possible and at the expense of their workers “who are not opposing them.” Jesus said riches deceive those who love them. And instead of appreciating the workers who have helped the owners achieve both owner and worker goals, the owners are deceived (by the pursuit of more riches) into thinking they are not their brothers’ keeper. The employers and employees are “at will”. And neither is obligated to the welfare of the other.
So what is the answer? If it were me, I would trust God to supply what I and my family needed (Jesus promises to take responsibility for those who obey Him (Matthew 6:33)) and follow Him by doing what is right for the most vulnerable – the workers. I would contact the new company starting up and give personal recommendations for my people. I would let my people know of the plan to end their jobs and encourage them to apply at the new start up company.
You may think that it is really brave of me to take a fictitious bold stand for Jesus. In real life in 1992 I was convicted by God about some parts of my job. I decided to refuse to do pornographic, abortion or occult products where I worked. For about two weeks they threatened to fire me. I had a chance to allow Jesus to speak to top levels of management through me. Ultimately Jesus saved my wife and me from me losing my job. Then five years later this same company asked me to do evangelistic products.
I AM for You! 